A Twitter ban in Turkey took effect last Thursday, a week before the country’s elections. The ban came shortly after prime minister Erdogan vowed to wipe out the social media network. Twitter has refused to remove links to audio files that Erdogan says have damaged his reputation. The has accused Twitter of presenting “an unfair and inaccurate” impression of his office and his country. While Twitter users initially the ban, Internet service providers in Turkey have been making it more difficult by blocking IP addresses used by Twitter. Turkey’s own president condemned the ban, calling the illegal.

What have people in Turkey been banned from doing?

What reason did the prime minister’s office give for the ban?

What is Turkey’s president’s opinion about the ban?

Discussion Question: Do you think that the blocking of a social media network is a violation of personal freedoms? Why or why not?

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Twitter Blocked In Turkey

A Twitter ban in Turkey took effect last Thursday, a week before the country’s national elections. The ban came shortly after prime minister Erdogan vowed to wipe out the social media network. Twitter has refused to remove links to audio files that Erdogan says have damaged his reputation. The prime minister has accused Twitter of presenting “an unfair and inaccurate” impression of his office and his country. While Twitter users initially found ways around the ban, Internet service providers in Turkey have been making it more difficult by blocking IP addresses used by Twitter. Turkey’s own president condemned the ban, calling the shutdown illegal.

People in Turkey have been banned from accessing Twitter, a popular social media network.

The prime minister’s office accused Twitter of trying to damage their reputation.

Turkey’s president does not approve of the ban. He feels that it is illegal.

Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClubTara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.